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Welcome to the 4th season of the fantasy aviva premiership game


Opening Weekend fixtures; Leicester Tigers vs Exeter Chiefs ; London Irish vs Harlequins ; Newcastle Falcons vs Bath ; Northampton vs Gloucester ; Saracens vs London Wasps ; Worcester Warriors vs Sale Sharks

This Weeks match thread(s) :- https://www.606v2.com/t8662-fixtures-3#245781

Season One Homepage (Archived)

Season Two Homepage Part One(Archived)

Season Two Homepage Part Two(Archived)

Rules

Fixture/Results list

League Table

Top Points Scorers

Top Try Scorers

European Homepage

LV Anglo Welsh Cup Homepage

Transfer Homepage

Press Releases

Unavailable Players

Waiting list for a team

1. Sam
2. pullthestrings
3. Bathite

Teams
Bath RFC
Manager:- 207bars

Exeter Chiefs
Manager:- RugbyDriver

Gloucester
Manager:- Anonmattyt

Harlequins
Manager:- Steve_sharks

Leicester Tigers
Manager:- LukeLovesLuka

London Irish
Manager:- stnick88

London Wasps
Manager:- Arry

Newcastle Falcons
Manager:- PoolyPunk

Northampton Saints
Manager:- Dammit_Chris

Sale Sharks
Manager:- SirJohnnyEnglish

Saracens
Manager:- LDCPete]

Worcester Warriors
Manager - Prop_Lyd

I prefer AP to any other league, so watch it whenever it is on - my g'f is training to be a lawyer so works over the weekends, and this means I get to watch as much rugby as I can. Watch all of Wasps games when I can get to Adams Park, and enjoy watching the youngsters come through - theyve got some special talents coming through at the moment. Someones doing something well in the academy.

I think English rugby is on the verge of competing with the southern hemisphere again, the youth systems and development of the academies is really starting to pay dividends - all the money in the English game is finally starting to pay off I think. You go through every club and you find at least 2-3 youngsters pushing around the fringes of the first team squad e.g. Sarries you have Goode, Farrell and Wray who all came through the academy, Wasps you have Sam Jones, Joe LAunchbury, Christian Wade, Jack Wallace, Joe Simpson, Charlie Davies, Elliot Daly, Bob Baker all playing first team rugby.

Future is bright for English rugby.

It's the jump from fringe AP/starting to the Int stage that is slightly the problem. Seen a piece by the Saints academy chief totally knocking the England setup, slating the total lack of 8's and 12's at most age grades.

I thought it was all very promising with the under 20s. Will not revise my opinion of vunipola yet chris. he gave away quite a few penalties and threw the ball out of the tackle stupidly a few times although one offload was quality.

Thought Thomas was outstanding and that Ransom and Cook were poor all tournament.

Wade looks a real scorer but i would like to see what his basics are like under high ball etc. if they were up to scratch he would have started every game is my feeling.

Thought Daly was anonomous in the Centre in the games i saw but maybe carrying an injury.

Why didn't Farrel kick at goal??? he has proved himself in pressure environments at a higher level.

10 and 12 linked well and our tactical kicking was as good as it gets. Kvesic player of the tournament for England and made up for what was a fairly average backrow after that.

Launchbury was excellent throughout

wade played in AP against iris at madejski, played very well too.

thomas got better of corbs at the reebok too, which is some achievement considering corbs was just off the back of great games against Mas and Castro.

Great performance from the u20's. To think they were an injury to Short and a few missed kicks from Ford away from beating this All Black side. Think we played them of the park at times in the 2nd half.

Player of the tournament is between Thomas and Kvesic for me. Leaning towards Kvesic but that might be biasist setting in. Both have been excellant throughout

Launchbury and Vunipola have looked good as well. In the backs obviously Ford but think Daly has looked good as well. looks a good 13 at this level so hopefully he can step up.

Not sure on Ransom dont think hes a lad you want as the last line of defence. got shown up to many times for me. Wade a devastating finisher but for me looks like Varndell v2.

Out of that team would expect Kvesic, Gray and Launchburry to be regular starters at their clubs by the end of the year with Thomas and Farrell already being regulars

Good morning everyone! Sorry for being pretty inactive for the past few days had my school prom and back to back parties which consisted of consuming a lot of ale!

Reading the predictions for my game with Tigers it seems that I am lacking some creative centres. Anyone got a silky inside and outside centre available?

You get lucky Arry

A gentlemen never reveals Pooly! I can assure you I did have some luck on the night, I can't remember much else, it must have been that whisky I took in a hip flask!

Lol...cheeky, hope you get stinky finger young 'un

I'll put money on it that miss palm and her five lovely daughters were busy that night Arry lol

Haha you pair of jokers! That's a cracking line Driver I'll remember that one!

Or do you prefer a bit of sausage Arry?

Was BBQ weather yesterday Pooly lol

haha, not at all Pooly I'm more of a wine and dine kind of guy and then see if I get anywhere

Wasn't down Seaton mate, was freezing as normal!

Bit of a charmer eh Arry, like it. I'm more of a kebab and finger bang kinda guy.

Haha standard Pooly, bet yours gets you further than my method does

It does when you live in the mighty Hartlepool!

God forbid your missus ever saw some of your comments on here Pooly

Tell me about it mate....luckily her fingers are too fat to type so I doubt she'd ever be able to navigate this far

Your a lucky man. I get dirty looks and eyes over the shoulder whenever im on here in the evenings!

I just give her a 12 pack of crisps and 5 mars bars, keeps her quiet for an hour or so lol

Pooly Thomas has been our best forward just ahead of Lewaravu since Xmas. He has taken a few batterings in the scrum but has also done well against some powerful opponents. Particularly considering he and Imiolek have been first choice they have been doing very well.

I think we saw the what the 6 months of prem rugby has done for him in the under 20's. I am not entirely sure how he ended up at Sale having been educated at Millfield but can't say I'm complaining.

Anybody know if Gibson was unavailable for the under 20's because of age?? I thought he was available and would have joined up after the Saxons.

Think he's too old isnt he?

Would of been a helpful addition to the squad due to his experience.

Schalk Brits to the Stormers (Loan)

To cover back row aswell

Lol...he's got a straighter throw than Fourie so can their thinking!

Can see their thinking...

As backrow cover who else can you get that short notice. Nowt wrong with Fouries throwing in.

Went off in the one game but apart from that the stormers lineout has been quality.

Great news for me. been desperate to play him in the backrow for quite some time. Wonder if this is a last ditch bid for a world cup place from Brits

Stormers lineout is solid despite Fourie, his throwing all the over the place. Surprised you went for him as Strauss is far better.

Give him a shot this week steve in this weeks fixtures

https://www.606v2.com/t8004-fixtures-2#220874

Went for Both as both are quality. Before he got injured Fourie was up there with BDP.

Stormers lineout has been mustard generally. he is still not fully fit

He's not a patch on BdP, I'd have him and Strauss way put from the rest. Fourie's throwing is just too wayward, I'd have him behind Chilli too myself.

Strauss is pure class though, if not for Plessis he'd have 20+ caps.

chilli is awful!! fourie is better than him but a long way behind BDP.

Pooly have you seen that it looks like Sarel Pretorious will be Burgess' replacement at the tahs.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/waratahs-pursue-south-african-halfback-sarel-pretorius/story-e6frey4i-1226082321417

Yea seen that mate, he's hot property! Lol. Think he was waiting to see if Pdiv would select him first. Instead he picks Ricky Janurie......

I did not mean he was at BDP's level i meant that his performances this year up until injury were sensational.

Great impact player as well/

Depends what you want Nick, Chilli's got steady basics. Fourie is good in the loose but a he's got a very loose throw. I think Fourie is quite young though, a good throw is usually a developing thing.

Apologies for lack of predictions this week

Guys out of interest would like to know where you think I should strengthen my squad with the last foreign transfer coming up!

Looks like Phillips is back:

http://www.wru.co.uk/26843.php

World cup squad or in general Chris?

This is where I am struggling Pooly, can't work out whether to go for someone who is a top international but not available for the WC or go for someone who is available for the WC but isnt a top international!

also interested to see how much emphasis place on tactics, as some people just appear to read the team sheets and make their prediction on that alone - just trying to work out how I can push my team up the table a bit this season, as sure I've got a decent squad, but never seem to get predictions going my way.

Any tips would be much appreciated!

I'm not taking much notice of tactics during the summer champs to be honest, we know how most teams set out.

I'd suggest putting your likely WC team out this week and see where you're falling down. Your best XV is as strong as any, you've just suffered a little with form in my opinion.

Players that are normally top 3 in their position haven't had a good 18-24 months. Hayman, Elsom, Contepomi, JDV, Sivivatu and Kearney haven't been on fire and your other strong players spend a fair time away with England.

Think you'll be ok next season, 7 could be an issue for you depending on Rees coming back strong. Don't think Gill is ready for the likes of Pocock, Brussow, Burger, Dusatoir, Warburton, McCaw etc etc....just yet.

Was looking at either a hooker or 7 to strengthen to be honest -

My strongest team would be:

1. Sheridan
2. Hartley
3. Hayman
4. Lawes
5. Albacete
6. Elsom
7. Rees
8. Parisse
9. Simpson
10. Giteau
11. Halfpenny
12. de Villiers
13. Tuilagi
14. Ashton
15. Foden

16. Webber 17. Domingo 18. Stevens 19. Davies 20. Messam 21. Phillips 22. Beauxis 23 Siviatu.

Would start that front row because I think bringing on Webber, Domingo and Stevens would compeltely change the course of a game and Sheridan, Hartley and Hayman would offer a very strong foundation. Think all my bench are now impact players, which is what I've been wanting to do from the start.

7 is a glaring weakness in that team Chris, everywhere else is extremley strong. Giteau is marmite on here at 10, played better from 12 over the last year or so and is likely to play there for Toulon I think.

Maybe risk losing some of your English players to improve elsewhere?

Giteau is only marmite on here if people havent watched his last 10 games or so - he's been brilliant at 10 otherwise! He will interchange a lot with Wilko at 10. His last game in super 15s was just awesome. One of the all time greats! He will start at 10 or 12 for the Aussies in the WC, certain of it now. I took a gamble on Beauxis as soon as I heard Toulouse had signed him, could be the making of him and dont think he'll get in France WC squad either (I hope!)

I think the English thing is one of my strengths Pooly as each English guy I have is prety much an international and when you player against teams that have 3-4 top quality English and I have 8/9 it does make a big difference in terms of overall team and balance to the squad.

I've got big expectation on Rees this season, from sounds of it his shoulder is completely healed now for the first time in 3 seasons - can see him having a very good season and Wasps in top 3 by end of the WC.

Reckon if I can just get a hooker, another backrower and someone in my backthree then I should be sorted.

Giteau was quality the other week but has been average at 10 for a while mate. He'll not get Coopers place so will play 12 if anywhere, Barnes not playing at all lately will strengthen his case to be included I think.

I think counting on Rees to come back has cost you a little as you've not wanted to replace him. I'd prob just keep him away from your first team plans until he's nailed a few games, as at the minute he's nowhere.

Beauxis won't get in the France squad for def, he was extremley poor last year. Him going to Tolouse was a surprise, they must see something in him others don't. If they iron out his flaws he could be a good player for you.

Liam Gill will move towards being my starting 7 mid way through next season, the lads special. Just having to wait a little bit longer for him to come through, but he is going to be a class act.

Got my eye on a player who can play 6,7 and 8 who I'm thinking of signing but need to offload either Watson or Kankowski first!